THE Plateau State Government has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following security concerns in the affected communities.
News Point Nigeria reports that the restriction, which took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, directs residents in the three local government areas to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am until further notice. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the measure was introduced to enable security agencies to stabilise the affected areas, protect lives and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reported that Lohya said residents were expected to comply fully with the directive and plan their commercial, agricultural and other activities around the restricted hours.
“The government also directed security operatives to strictly enforce the curfew across the three local government areas.
“It further announced an immediate ban on the use of motorcycles within the affected jurisdictions as part of measures to address the security situation.
“The government reassured law-abiding residents that security personnel deployed to enforce the measures would operate professionally.”
The curfew came amid a series of attacks, attempted attacks and reprisal incidents reported in parts of Plateau, particularly Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, prompting increased deployment and patrols by security forces.
Makama also reported that troops repelled a suspected reprisal attack by suspected Fulani militants following the killing of a local resident in Barkin Ladi.
According to the report, the incident occurred at about 8pm at Marit Junction, where troops responded to a report of an attack on two locals.
“Military sources said troops arrived at the scene and confirmed that one of the victims, identified as Rev. Andy Samuel, 53, had been shot dead, while the second victim sustained injuries and was evacuated to the General Hospital for medical attention,” Makama reported.
“The troops reportedly came under attack shortly after leaving the hospital.
“The attackers were suspected to be Fulani militias carrying out a reprisal attack following earlier violence reported in Dorowa Babuje, Sherum, Maraban Kantoma and Lajam communities, all in Barkin Ladi LGA.
“Reinforcements from Sector 8, supported by other force multipliers and air support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft, responded to the attack.
“The troops successfully repelled the attackers and prevented the violence from spreading to other communities.”
The Plateau government has not specified when the curfew will be lifted, stating that the restriction would remain in force until further notice. Residents in the affected areas have consequently been urged to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to stabilise the communities.